Senate Resolution No. 3099

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Thomas J. Skelly posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
by Albany County at its Honor A Veteran Ceremony on
October 2, 2017

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peacetime, deserve a special salute; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Thomas J.
Skelly posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Albany County at its Honor A Veteran Ceremony on Monday,
October 2, 2017, at the Joseph E. Zaloga Post, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, In June of 1993, a committee was formed by the Albany
County Veterans Bureau known as the Albany County Honor-A-Veteran
Committee; the committee was formed to honor a deceased Albany County
veteran, who has served his country in time of conflict; the Honor A
Veteran Program takes place monthly on the first Monday of each month;
and

WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country,
Thomas J. Skelly will be recognized at this year's October Honor A
Veteran Ceremony; and

WHEREAS, Born on December 24, 1901, in County Longford, Ireland,
Thomas J. Skelly valiantly served his country as a member of the United
States Army Air Corps from August of 1942 to June of 1944, during which
time he achieved the rank of Private; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Thomas J.
Skelly worked as a Milkman for Borden's Milk Company before building The
Shamrock Tavern with his best friend on the corner of Lexington Avenue
and Sherman Street in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Thomas J. Skelly died on October 17, 1980; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Thomas J. Skelly demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thomas J. Skelly posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor A Veteran Ceremony
on October 2, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Thomas J. Skelly.